Category: News

Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has hailed the recent Supreme Court ruling reaffirming the Federal Government’s authority, through both the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and NIMASA, to oversee activities within Nigerian inland waterways. Describing the judgement as a victory for all parties involved, Jamoh emphasized its potential to resolve ambiguity and curb multiple taxation issues.

In an official statement posted on his handle, @JamohBashir, the Director-General expressed optimism that this ruling would put an end to the problem of multiple taxation, clarifying that states would no longer impose levies on investors. This shift of responsibility to the federal level, according to Jamoh, will significantly enhance the ease of conducting maritime business in the country, ultimately attracting greater investment from both local and international spheres.

Highlighting the vast potential inherent in Nigeria’s over 10,000 kilometers of inland waters, Jamoh underscored the significance of this ruling in the Federal Government’s quest to tap into and maximize the country’s inland water resources. He urged all stakeholders, especially state governments, to acknowledge and collaborate with NIWA and NIMASA, emphasizing that such collaboration would lead to better harnessing of Nigeria’s maritime potential for the collective benefit of all citizens.

Osagie Edward, FNIPR, Assistant Director of Public Relations at NIMASA, echoed the sentiments expressed by Dr. Jamoh, indicating the agency’s alignment with the Supreme Court’s decision and its commitment to leveraging this ruling for the advancement of Nigeria’s maritime sector and the overall national interest.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has embarked on a groundbreaking partnership with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. This collaboration aims to bolster trade facilitation across the African continent.

During a meeting held on Monday, 8 January 2024, at the Customs Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, CGC Adeniyi expressed his eagerness to team up with AfCFTA to revitalize trade mechanisms in Africa. Highlighting Africa’s marginal 3–4 percent share in global trade, he emphasized the need to elevate the African trade system, which has stagnated at 14–15 percent for the past few years.

“We are cognizant of the advantages that trade offers—economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation,” said CGC Adeniyi, underlining Customs’ pivotal role in fostering regional and international connections.

Addressing the pivotal partnership, His Excellency Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of AfCFTA, praised the CGC’s commitment and expressed enthusiasm for resolving trade challenges. Emphasizing collaboration to enhance trade not only in Nigeria but across Africa, Mene outlined the strategic significance of effective trade facilitation in propelling regional economic growth.

The synergy between AfCFTA and the Nigeria Customs Service aims to streamline customs procedures, diminish trade barriers, and optimize cross-border trade efficiency. This collaboration signifies a crucial stride toward harnessing Africa’s economic potential and fostering intra-African trade and economic integration.

The Secretary-General’s visit stands as a significant milestone in the concerted efforts to bolster the economic landscape of the African continent through improved trade practices.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, demonstrated an exceptional commitment to work-life balance and the overall well-being of the Nigeria Customs Service by leading officers on a 6.6-kilometer ‘Walk Life Balance’ at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on January 6, 2024.

This fitness initiative, a recurrent practice for the CGC, signifies Adeniyi’s dedication to maintaining physical and mental health amidst the demands of the rigorous customs profession.

In an exclusive interview, CGC Adeniyi emphasized the significance of these exercises for himself and his officers, recognizing the challenges they face in their demanding roles, particularly in bustling urban centers.

“Every weekend that I am in Abuja, we try to achieve a balance between the rigorous demands of our work and the need to stay fit for good health,” shared CGC Adeniyi.

Highlighting the necessity of regular physical activities for customs officers, he acknowledged daily challenges like traffic congestion and family issues.

“We have to keep ourselves in a high level of physical fitness. We have to motivate ourselves,” he added.

Linking the distance covered during the walk to the ambitious revenue targets set for 2024, CGC Adeniyi expressed confidence in the Service’s ability to achieve its financial goals.

“If you compare the distance of 6.6 kilometers that we covered this morning with the revenue figure we want to generate in 2024, it means we have achieved our revenue targets for 2024.”

Moreover, in a proactive step to enhance officers’ welfare, the CGC affirmed his commitment to an expansive infrastructure initiative close to Namadi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

This ambitious project encompasses residential buildings, offices, schools, worship centers, an officers’ mess, and a shopping mall, designed to accommodate over 2500 officers working in Abuja.

“Our officers dedicate themselves tirelessly to their duties, and it is our responsibility to reciprocate their dedication by ensuring they have befitting housing and social amenities,” stated CGC Adeniyi.

He highlighted the multifaceted project’s alignment with his agenda to modernize and improve working conditions within the Nigeria Customs Service, emphasizing the inclusion of educational facilities and recreational spaces as a holistic approach to supporting customs officers and their families.

As this project progresses, CGC Adeniyi envisions elevated living standards for those at the forefront of Customs operations, reflecting a positive step towards enhancing their quality of life.